Senior Environmental Specialist

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Senior Environmental Specialist advancing NZTA’s environmental asset management and standards across New Zealand’s transport network. Guiding fish passage, compliance and Environmental Management Plan initiatives.

Posted 8/19/2026full-timeAuckland • 🇳🇿 New ZealandSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Environmental Asset Management, including the development and implementation of Environmental Management Plans and standards. Possesses strong relationship management and communication skills to influence outcomes across diverse stakeholders in New Zealand's transport sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Environmental Asset ManagementEnvironmental Compliance and AssuranceFreshwater ManagementRelationship ManagementBachelor's Degree in Environmental Science

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Environmental Standards DevelopmentEnvironmental Management PlansRisk AssessmentCost AnalysisPerformance InsightsAsset AssessmentWetland ManagementResource EfficiencyWater Quality ManagementFish Passage Management

Soft Skills

Influencing SkillsCollaborationCommunication SkillsRelationship BuildingAdvisory Skills

Industry Keywords

New Zealand Transport SystemTransport ConstructionRoading ProcurementTe Ao MāoriTikangaTe Reo MāoriTe Tiriti o Waitangi

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead environmental asset management and standards initiatives across New Zealand’s transport network
Drive implementation of environmental standards, specifications and Environmental Management Plans under the Integrated Delivery Model
Use environmental data, risk, cost and performance insights to inform national investment and operational decisions
Develop, update, implement and assure environmental standards, specifications, procedures, guidance, research and tools
Provide national oversight of Environmental Management Plan development, implementation and review
Contribute to the environmental asset management framework
Provide advice for national land transport programmes, State Highway Asset Management Plans and Low Cost Low Risk programmes
Manage fish passage data and prioritise culvert assets for retrofitting
Coordinate asset assessments and finalise and implement specifications
Contribute to initiatives involving wetland management, vegetation control, resource efficiency, contaminated land, water quality and noise wall assets
Build trusted relationships with NZTA, industry and partner organisation stakeholders
Develop business cases and influence outcomes across complex programmes

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least six years’ relevant experience in environmental asset management, construction environmental management, environmental compliance and assurance, freshwater or fish passage management, resource efficiency, water quality or a related environmental discipline
Proven ability to deliver complex strategic outcomes through others collaboratively and maintain momentum across technical, operational and supplier teams
Strong influencing and relationship management skills across organisational and sector boundaries
Excellent communication skills, including translating complex technical information into clear, practical advice
Sound knowledge of environmental and social responsibility principles and best practice
Understanding of New Zealand’s transport system, transport construction and maintenance, and roading procurement
A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Planning or another relevant discipline
Knowledge of, or willingness to develop understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as applied in the public sector
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Benefits

Comp & perks

Five weeks’ annual leave
Life Insurance for permanent employees
Income Protection Insurance for permanent employees
Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
Equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion-focused workplace
Recruitment support and access accommodations